Assimilation is the process of adopting or being absorbed into a larger culture, often with a resulting change in lifestyle and beliefs. It has been used to both unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as well as to limit their access to certain privileges. Assimilation can be seen throughout history when one group of people imposes its values and norms upon another group of people, either through conquest, colonization or other forms of domination. In many cases, assimilation has resulted in the oppression or marginalization of entire groups of individuals who have been unable to fully assimilate into society at large.

In modern times, assimilation continues to be used as a tool by dominant groups in order to maintain control over minority populations that are perceived as less desirable or “inferior” than mainstream culture. Assimilation typically requires individuals from minority populations to adopt majority language skills, religious beliefs and cultural customs in order for them to gain acceptance within the wider community. This type of assimilation is often seen among immigrants who are attempting to make lives for themselves in new countries where they may not speak the primary language or share similar traditions with those around them.

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